LABOUR’S winter fuel payment means test has “robbed millions of pensioners” and Holyrood must unite against it, the SNP said today.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville made the remarks ahead of the parliamentary debate marking Challenge Poverty Week, calling for the policy to be ditched.

Ms Somerville said: “Labour’s abrupt decision to bring in means-testing for the winter fuel payment has robbed millions of pensioners of hundreds of pounds at the very time that energy bills are set to rise.

“As we mark Challenge Poverty Week, I call on MSPs from across the chamber to unite and demand that the UK government reverse this callous decision and restore the winter fuel payment to all our pensioners.”

A Westminster government spokesperson said they were “committed to supporting pensioners,” adding: “Over a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment.

“Many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount to help with energy bills over winter.”